National Republican., 1887-02-15

know how limited Is the capacity Of foreign
plants even to-day for large guns. We can
anticipate some OF the many uncertainties
which, as experience shows, must at
tend the development Of such plants In
this country, and the various obstacles
which must interpose before we can have
heavy guns sufficient for beginning for
the navy. All this means years, not FIVE or
ten, but many years through which our
forts must remain unarmed and our harbors
defenseless. In view Of this discouraging
prospect we believe that IL is more than
folly to neglect any means which holds out
reasonable hope Of avoiding possible ma.
tional humiliation.
"May not the true remedy be found in
the manufacture Of large cast iron guus
and mortars2 Guarding temporarily the
more important channels they would eff
fectually bar progress TO all but the more
powerful ironclads. Indeed, the coucen.
trated dre OF guns capable Of penetrating
nineteen or twenty inches of iron armor at
a mile would stand fair chance Of dis
abling the most powerful vessel beset as
enc would also be by rams and torpedoes
OF more or less destructive character. As
guns Of greater power are developed these
guns can be shifted to secondary positions,
and to the protection of harbors and chan.
nels, for which they are known TO be
abundantly powerful. All this is unde-
niably the work OF years, and further delay
Is criminal"
Such, as we understand IL, is the position
OF those favoring the use Of cast iron for
coast defense guns. In the past II consti-
tuted the basis OF their argument for the
fair and crucial test of the possibilities of
cast iron under the favoring conditions of
service with modern ammunition. The argu-
ment has been supported by examples of
the great endurance Of cast iron, and data
OF various kinds. How much this argu-
ment may have gathered force by the per-
formance OF the heavy gun at Sandy Hook
should be well considered, and how much
further force It is to gain from the expert
ments Of Lieut.. Ialinski with electricity
will soon be shown. Great guns are not
called upon for many rounds in action, so
that guaranteed life through moderate
number Of rounds might amply justify
their building.
We are heartily In accord with Com
maDder Sumner In his desire for the highest
type OF guns for our war vessels, yet the
problem of coast defense differs somewhat
from that Of naval armament, and we have
endeavored at this juncture not so much
to comment upon his able letter, as to
present that view OF the other side of the
question, which is sometimes lost sight OF
In these discussions.
To us the duty OF Congress seems very
plain. II should appropriate without de-
lay several millions Of dollars for fortlilca.
tiors for disbursement by the War Depart.
ment through our able corps Of engineers
1t should appropriate with equal prompt
ness at least five millions Of dollars for the
procurement Of domestic steel for guns aud
armor plates, and 1t need have no fear fol-
the honest disbursement Of the money by
the ordnance department. The only fear
indeed, is an unwise economy by the con
tract system, which may fail to expand oui
works. Congress should appropriate a
least million dollars for heavy cast iror
mortars, and at least another million fo
gun carriages. 1t should Inappropriate tn,
sum, which, by reyersion into the treasury
necesstated the discharge Of skilled
mechanics, and prevented the completion
and test Of the unfinished 12.inch rifles
And II not satisfied with the present record
of cast-iron 1t should push the experiment.
| further by continuing the tests at Sandy
! Hook and building one or more guns Of til,
same kipd for the confirmation OF results
already obtained.
Having in mind only the welfare OF ou
common country, we appeal to Congress fol
broad and liberal action, and the over
riding of all merely personal prejudices o.
distrusts. An universal appeal has gon,
up throughout all the land for such action
The country is ready to forgive mistakes o.
any kind except those OF neglect.